Attack on Madeleine Bordallo "On Behalf of the People of the CNMI"

February 5, 2008

Taotao Tano President Greg Cruz has taken his angry tirades to new heights in a truly unjustified and out-of-line attack on Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo.

I met with Congresswoman Bordallo and her staff last Fall in Washington, D.C. and I expressed my disagreement concerning the removal of the "grandfathering" provision from H.R. 3079. I made some passionate and blunt remarks. She was both gracious and patient, and I felt she heard what I had to say. I respect Madeleine Bordallo and her staff. I understand her position, and I believe that she understands my position and that of the long-term guest workers. I left that meeting believing that Congresswoman Bordallo respects all of the people of Guam and the CNMI including the non-resident workers. I feel that she has their best interest in mind in making decisions.

Cruz's letter was over-the-top cruel. To bring her late husband into the fray was plain nasty. Although I know he probably had someone write the letter, Cruz signed it, and therefore the ignorance and vile within each line are his responsibility. Congresswoman Bordallo did not deserve this latest attack.

A response penned by Steven Sablan was published today. He states:

"Although I do not know what Mrs. Bordallo may have done to warrant your tirade against her I ask that you retract your letter to Mrs. Bordallo and correctly represent yourself as the spokesperson for your group, Taotao Tano (people of the land). Please respect those of us who do not subscribe to your ideals and beliefs but are in fact people of this land."